OTTAWA, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) today released its 2013 market statistics, showing global wind energy capacity has tripled over the past five years to reach a total of 318,137 MW. Despite slower growth rates in some countries, the amount of wind energy installed around the world still rose by over 12 per cent in 2013.

Canada recorded exceptionally strong growth in 2013 with a record of close to 1,600 MW of new wind energy capacity installed, placing it 5th globally. Canada sustains its position as a global wind energy leader, today ranking 9th in the world in total installed capacity with more than 7,500 MW of wind energy in operation - providing enough power to meet the annual needs of approximately 2 million Canadian homes.

"Many provincial governments are on the threshold of meeting their initialcommitments to wind energy development," said Robert Hornung, President of the Canadian Wind energy Association (CanWEA). "This wide support presents new opportunities to create stable and sustainable markets in Canada for future wind energy development."

"Most notably, the governments of Ontario and Quebec made commitments in 2013 to secure a combined 1,400 MW of new wind energy capacity over the next few years, which is the first step in building the foundation for robust, long-term markets for wind energy in Canada," Mr. Hornung added.

Canada will see a new record for annual installations of wind energy in 2014 as new projects are under construction across the country. GWEC expects the global growth rate for 2014 installations to rise significantly as major new Canadian and US wind energy comes on stream, and as emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America continue to build momentum.

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association

CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information on wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitterand join the conversation at windfacts.ca.